Wednesday, November 30, 2011

New Release - Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

In case you missed it…Omnific has a new release! Last week Deb Anastasia’s second book, Poughkeepsie was released and we are so excited for our readers and for Deb!

He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.

When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.

Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once.

We were lucky to have Deb answer a few questions for us so you can get t little peek into her thoughts on Poughkeepsie and her writing process.

Omnific: Was writing your second novel a different experience from your first? Was it a little easier knowing what to expect from the process?

Deb: Yes. The actual procedure was easier. I knew what editing was like, the trailer, etc. Crushed Seraphim has such a different flavor from Poughkeepsie that the writing of each was a totally unique journey.

Omnific: I have to say, while I love the story of Blake and Livia, the brothers’ story and relationships is my favorite part of the book. Where did your idea for them come from?

Deb: I’m so glad you like the brothers. That whole plotline evolved from watching guys in the real world. At times they relate to each other so differently than ladies. You can hear them insulting each other, but they would also rip their leg off for a friend in need. I respect that. I wanted to capture that kind of brotherhood.

Omnific: What is your writing process like? Do you outline or just “wing it”?

Deb: I definitely know where the story will end. And I’ll map out certain parts, but mostly I wing it. I’ll head into a scene positive it will go one way and then the characters surprise me and I end up with a new plot point.

Omnific: Since we are all about romance here at Omnific, what is your favorite romantic scene in a book? Without spoiling anything?

Deb: My favorite romantic parts are Blake and Livia being kind to one another. They say please and thank you and I just love that. Romance for me is passing the salt and holding open the door.

Omnific: So, if they made that book into a movie, who would you want to see in that scene?

Deb: I would love to see Jonas Armstrong as Blake. I loved him as Robin Hood on the BBC. Woof. And he really could capture the depth that Blake has to have. Livia could be Carey Mulligan, because she would have to be strong in a delicate way.

Omnific: Now that Poughkeepsie is done, are you going to be working on anything new (or maybe more Jack??)?

Deb: Crushed Seraphim’s sequel has taken top priority and I’m totally excited to finish the series. Jack haunts me on a daily basis with dialogue and sex scenes he wants to be written. It’s fun to go back to that complete fantasy world. I have big plans for Everett as well.

And, Deb shared one of her favorite excerpts from Poughkeepsie with us as well (though I know how hard it was for her to choose just one!)

He smelled of mint and fresh soap. Livia put her hands on his chest and felt the densely packed muscles there.

Empowered by his adoration, she shrugged off her fleece shirt, enjoying the feeling of being trapped between his arms.

Blake’s eyes became stormy seas. “Damn it all to hell,” he cursed.

Despite his words, Livia believed she was winning this battle of seduction. Blake kissed her mouth and sucked on her bottom lip. He moved to her earlobe and breathed, “First, I will blow, then I will lick, last I will bite.”

Holy crap.

Blake blew a gentle stream of minty breath along the outside of Livia’s ear, down to her neck, and along the edge of her breasts where they peeked out of her bright blue bra. Blake took his time creating an elaborate pattern on her stomach, and Livia was pretty sure he’d spelled the word torture. He increased the pressure of his breath as he grazed below her belly button to the top of her jeans. He skipped back to her mouth and gave her another long, slow kiss.

“And now I lick,” he murmured.

Livia bit back the embarrassingly loud moan she felt building. He gently traced the same trail his breath had left, this time with his tongue. When he reached her breast, she lost control and grabbed his hair, intent on kissing him.

“No. No.” Blake held her wrists above her head. “I’ve done this to you so many times in my mind. I won’t have you rush me.”

Livia groaned and arched her back in an effort to change his mind. But his slow, sexy smile told her he was doing it his way.

“Fine.” Livia dutifully kept her hands above her head as he picked up where he’d left off.

His tongue had her making noises that surely scared the wildlife. He spent an inordinate amount of time licking just above her belt buckle. Then again he was back to her mouth.

He spoke through his kiss. “I’m going to bite you now.”

Blake began down the same flaming path on Livia’s body with his teeth, nibbling in time with her heartbeat. When it speeded up, he bit slightly harder.

After what seemed to be sixteen million glorious years, Blake was at the top of her jeans again. A light, almost invisible, mist from the gray clouds now gave the clearing a slick sheen. The cool rain and his hot mouth were ecstasy.

Thank you so much Deb for sharing with us! We love the story and are so happy for you!

If you want to find out more about Deb, you can follower her on Twitter at @Debra_Anastasia.